You rule the raging sea;This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty over creation, particularly the chaotic and untamable sea, which in ancient Near Eastern cultures often symbolized chaos and disorder. In biblical literature, the sea is frequently depicted as a force that only God can control, as seen in
Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters. This imagery is also present in
Job 38:8-11, where God sets boundaries for the sea. The ruling of the sea can be seen as a metaphor for God's power over all forms of chaos and evil, reflecting His ultimate authority and control.
when its waves mount up,
The mounting waves symbolize turmoil and unrest, both in the natural world and in human experience. In the context of ancient Israel, the sea was often viewed with fear and awe, as it was unpredictable and dangerous. This phrase can also be connected to the story of Jonah, where the sea's turmoil reflects God's displeasure and the need for repentance. The mounting waves can be seen as challenges or trials that believers face, which are ultimately under God's control.
You still them.
This phrase highlights God's ability to bring peace and calm to situations of chaos and distress. It is reminiscent of Jesus calming the storm in the Gospels (Mark 4:39), where He demonstrates His divine authority by commanding the wind and waves to be still. This act serves as a type of Christ, showing His power over nature and His role as the bringer of peace. The calming of the sea is also prophetic of the ultimate peace and order that God will establish in the new creation, as described inRevelation 21:1, where there is no longer any sea, symbolizing the absence of chaos and evil.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Ethan the EzrahiteThe author of
Psalm 89, traditionally believed to be a wise man during the time of King Solomon. His psalm reflects on God's covenant with David and His sovereign power.
2.
The Raging SeaSymbolic of chaos and disorder in ancient Near Eastern literature, often representing the forces of nature that are beyond human control.
3.
God's SovereigntyThe central theme of this verse, highlighting God's supreme authority over creation, including the chaotic forces of the sea.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over ChaosGod is in control of all circumstances, no matter how chaotic they may seem. Trust in His power to bring order and peace.
Faith in God's PowerJust as God stills the raging sea, He can calm the storms in our lives. We are called to have faith in His ability to bring peace.
God's FaithfulnessThe same God who ruled the sea in ancient times is faithful to His promises today. We can rely on His unchanging nature.
Jesus as the FulfillmentJesus' calming of the storm in the New Testament is a direct fulfillment of God's power over creation, affirming His divinity.
Prayer and DependenceIn times of trouble, we should turn to God in prayer, acknowledging His power and seeking His intervention in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 89:9?
2.How does Psalm 89:9 demonstrate God's power over creation in our lives?
3.What does "rule the raging sea" reveal about God's authority and sovereignty?
4.How can we trust God during life's storms, as seen in Psalm 89:9?
5.Connect Psalm 89:9 with Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:39.
6.How can acknowledging God's control over chaos strengthen our daily faith journey?
7.How does Psalm 89:9 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nature?
8.What historical context surrounds the writing of Psalm 89?
9.How does Psalm 89:9 relate to the theme of God's power in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 89?
11.Job 26:12: Does the depiction of God suppressing sea forces align with or conflict with other ancient Near Eastern flood narratives?
12.In Job 7:12, why does Job reference the sea or a monstrous creature (possibly Leviathan)—and does this suggest any mythological element at odds with a strictly historical reading of Scripture?
13.What is the significance of the Sea of Galilee story?
14.Will there be no more sea?What Does Psalm 89:9 Mean
You rule the raging seaPsalm 89:9 opens with “You rule the raging sea,” immediately spotlighting God as the undisputed sovereign over creation. The psalmist doesn’t picture a distant deity but a present King who governs every surge and swell.
• Scripture consistently ties the sea to chaos and danger, then shows God reigning over it. InJob 38:8-11, He asks, “Who shut in the sea behind doors…when I fixed its boundaries and set bars and doors?” He alone set the limits.
•Psalm 93:3-4 echoes, “The floods have lifted up their voice…mightier than the breakers of the sea, the LORD on high is majestic.” No matter how loud the roar, His rule is louder.
• The Red Sea scene inExodus 14:21-31 reminds us that God doesn’t merely command from shore; He divides waters for His people to walk through.
Because He rules, the Christian never faces an untamable chaos; every wave, literal or figurative, answers to Him.
When its waves mount upThe verse moves from God’s authority to the dramatic moment “when its waves mount up.” Real life mirrors this: storms don’t consult our calendars.
•Psalm 107:25-27 portrays sailors whose “courage melted away…they reeled and staggered like drunken men.” Even seasoned mariners can’t outmuscle the sea.
•Jonah 1:4 shows God “hurling a great wind on the sea,” proving He can escalate circumstances to awaken hearts.
• Jesus’ disciples faced mounting waves inMatthew 8:24; their boat “was being swamped by the waves.” The mounting moment is common to God’s people, and Scripture normalizes that tension.
Knowing waves will rise keeps us from surprise and drives us to the Ruler who stands above them.
You still themFinally, “You still them.” Authority becomes action; God’s sovereignty translates into serenity.
•Psalm 107:29 celebrates, “He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” What He did then, He still does.
•Mark 4:39 records Jesus rebuking the wind: “Peace! Be still!” and “the wind died down and it was perfectly calm.” The same voice heard inPsalm 89 is heard in Galilee, underscoring Christ’s divine identity.
•Revelation 21:1 looks forward to a “new heaven and a new earth…there was no longer any sea.” The ultimate stilling is coming, when chaos is eradicated and peace is permanent.
For believers, this means:
– No crisis outruns His capacity to silence it.
– His calming may be immediate, gradual, or ultimate, but it is certain.
– Our worship is fueled by remembrance of past stillings and confidence in future ones.
summaryPsalm 89:9 paints a threefold picture: God rules the sea, acknowledges the reality of mounting waves, and personally stills them. He stands above every chaos, permits its rise for His purposes, and possesses the final word of peace. Trust rests secure when anchored to the One whom winds and waves obey.
Verse 9. -
Thou rulest the raging of the sea. There is no reason why this should not be understood literally. God's power over the sea is constantly put forward by the sacred writers as very specially indicative of his might and greatness (comp.
Job 38:8-11;
Psalm 107:29;
Proverbs 8:29;
Jeremiah 5:22, etc.).
When the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them (comp.
Psalm 65:7;
Psalm 107:23-30;
Matthew 8:26, 27).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Youאַתָּ֣ה(’at·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youruleמ֭וֹשֵׁל(mō·wō·šêl)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4910:To rule, have dominion, reignthe ragingבְּגֵא֣וּת(bə·ḡê·’ūṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1348:Arrogance, majesty, ornamentsea;הַיָּ֑ם(hay·yām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220:A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basinwhen its wavesגַ֝לָּ֗יו(ḡal·lāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1530:Something rolled, a heap of stone, dung, a spring of watermount up,בְּשׂ֥וֹא(bə·śō·w)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7721:A risingYouאַתָּ֥ה(’at·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youstill them.תְשַׁבְּחֵֽם׃(ṯə·šab·bə·ḥêm)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7623:To address in a, loud tone, loud, to pacify
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 89:9 You rule the pride of the sea (Psalm Ps Psa.)